Frequently Asked Questions

Aviation is the most challenging profession that mankind has known. It provides immense

professional satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment and enormous financial stability. In order to enter this challenging and rewarding field, the first step is to acquire a Commercial

Pilot License.

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) started Academy of Aviation in

the year 2009 at Shirpur Airport near NMIMS Campus of Shirpur in Maharashtra with the aim of providing world class Flying Training.

There are a large number of institutions, both in India and abroad, which provide the required training. We advise students / parents to visit the institution before taking a

decision. If you decide to visit us, will be taken care of your lodging, boarding and

transportation at Shirpur free of cost.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE COURSE?

Shirpur airport is owned by us. Hence, there are no restrictions in duration of operations, unlike some other institutions which are dependent on the watch hours of the airport. They

also have frequent interruptions due to civil traffic which gets priority over training flying. At

AOA, flying training and theory training is conducted concurrently after a certain stage. Hence, the duration of course depends upon the ability of the student to cope with training.

An average student should be able to complete the course in approximately 15 to 18

months.

WHAT TYPE OF AEROPLANES ARE USED FOR TRAINING?

We impart the entire flying training on the latest CESSNA-172R (GLASS COCKPIT) aeroplanes

equipped with Garmin-1000 system. Some institutions impart training on vintage and

outdated Cessna-152/172s, which may be 30-50 years old.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF FLYING A GLASS COCKPIT AEROPLANE?

Aeroplanes like Airbus, Boeing etc used by airlines are glass cockpit aeroplanes. Hence,

exposure at initial stage of training prepares the student better. Flying a 30 to 40 year old

analogue aeroplane has lost its relevance.

WHERE DO YOU PARK YOUR AEROPLANES?

Our aeroplanes are parked in a well-equipped and well-lit modern hangar located at the airport itself.

DO YOU HAVE A PROPER AIRCONDITIONED CREW/REST ROOM FOR TRAINEE PILOTS?

Yes. We have a fully air-conditioned crew room for trainee pilots. In addition, there are two

separate air- conditioned rest rooms for boys and girls.

DO YOU HAVE A PROPER AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND NIGHT FLYING FACILITIES? Yes, we have a proper Air Traffic Control manned by a Retired Deputy General

Manager of the Airport Authority of India. Shirpur airport has been allotted a

dedicated R/T frequency by Ministry of Telecommunication (122.750 MHz). Night

flying facilities viz electrical runway lights, rotating beacon etc are available at the

airport.

WHAT KIND OF BOARDING AND LODGING FACILITY IS PROVIDED TO TRAINEE PILOTS?

Excellent lodging and boarding facilities are provided to all trainee pilots in NMIMS

Campus. The campus also has all sports facilities apart from Gymnasium, Additional

cafeteria, ATM etc.

AS PARENTS CAN WE STAY IN THE ACCOMMODATION FOR A FEW DAYS TO CHECK THE FACILITIES?

Yes. You are welcome to AOA and stay with us and dine in the same mess where your ward will stay.

HAS YOUR INSTITUTE LAID DOWN MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS VIS-A VIS THE

NUMBER OF AEROPLANES?

We have fixed a ratio of not more than eight trainee pilots for every aeroplane on strength.

Aeroplane to trainee ratio of more than 1:10 is not considered appropriate and will hamper progress of trainee pilots. Therefor we have decided not to exceed the figure of 30 with

current strength of three aeroplanes.

HAS YOUR INSTITUTE LAID DOWN ANY LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS BEING

TRAINED BY EACH INSTRUCTOR?

Yes. At AOA, we do not allow more than eight trainees per instructor for ensuring proper

monitoring, briefing and de-briefing etc.

WHAT IS THE CORE STRENGTH OF YOUR INSTITUTION?

We have our own airport, the best infrastructure, experienced flying and ground training

instructors and brand new glass cockpit aircraft. The core strength of SVKM’s NMIMS Academy of Aviation lies in the fact that we see ourselves as professionals and not as

businessmen. We invite students / parents to see our institution before taking a decision.

WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES AT YOUR ACADEMY?

Facilities at AOA are as follows:-

• Privately owned airport with unrestricted flying facility.

• Airport cleared for night flying.

• Runway with Electrical Lighting System.

• Brand new modern aeroplanes (equipped with Garmin 1000).

• Top class residential accommodation for trainees.

• Excellent messing facilities.

• Secured and guarded residential premises with perimeter fencing at the airport.

• Access to Gymkhana having swimming pool, gymnasium, dining facility etc.

• Modern class rooms.

• Air conditioned rest rooms at airport.

• Dedicated air-conditioned transportation facility from hostel to airport for trainees.

• Professionally trained manpower.

• Continuous monitoring of each trainee’s performance. WHAT IS THE COST OF FLYING TRAINING AT YOUR INSTITUTION? Cost of 200 hrs of flying training is Rs 21.0Lakhs. We believe that the composite cost of our training is actually cheaper than similar standard facilities in India or abroad.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Independent and privately owned airport with excellent infrastructure.

• Brand New CESSNA 172R – Glass Cockpit Aeroplanes.

• Excellent training program as per DGCA guidelines.

• Time-bound training schedule.

• Experienced Instructors.

• Classroom – equipped with Audio-Visual training aids.

• Proper accommodation for Trainee Pilots (Separate for Boys and Girls).

• Excellent dining facilities.